Cole S. keeps the ball (Courtesy/Alex L.)
The CA football team lost both its first game of the season and the Central Buckeye League title on Friday, October 25, against the Bishop Ready’s Silver Knights, 23-14.
Bishop Ready received the first half kickoff and fumbled the ball, allowing the Vikings to take over on their own 39. But Academy couldn’t capitalize as the Silver Knights forced a three-and-out and punt from the Vikings after a tough offensive possession, reclaiming the ball at their own 11. The Silver Knights drew first blood as their running back dodged CA defenders for a 74-yard score, but missed the PAT, bringing the Silver Knights up 6-0 at the end of the quarter.
The Vikings began the second quarter with a promising drive, marching all the way to the Silver Knights 5 but couldn’t cash in after turning over possession to Bishop Ready on downs. The Silver Knights took over at their own 5 but couldn’t find any breathing room as the Vikings forced a short punt that landed at the Silver Knights 39, giving them a considerable advantage with a short field. This time, the Vikings offense started moving as Cole S. threw a 10-yard pass to Gabe D-R. for 6, claiming the lead 7-6 at the half.
Academy couldn’t find its rhythm coming from the half, losing possession once again after a quick three-and-out. The Silver Knights drove their way to the Academy 12, yet couldn’t find the endzone and elected to go for a field goal instead, shifting the game 9-7 in their favor. The two teams, unable to find anything offensively, proceeded to trade possessions for the remainder of the third quarter.
The Silver Knights came back from the break and tallied another touchdown with a 22-yard passing score, extending their lead to 16-7. The Viking offense finally found their footing, capping a 75-yard drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Cole to Harmon G., cutting the deficit by 7. On Bishop Ready’s next possession, however, it fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Academy on the Silver Knights 31. The Vikings could have sealed the game with the excellent field position, but fumbled the ball, returning possession to the Silver Knights. They then proceeded to march down the field and scored another touchdown from 1-yard out, handing the Vikings their first loss at 23-14.
The Vikings enter postseason play with a 9-1 record so far this season and will host Piketon on Friday, November 1, in search of a redeeming victory against the Redstreaks.
